Electronic computing weighing scale with price per multiple pounds input

ABSTRACT

AN ELECTRONIC COMPUTING WEIGHING SCALE HAVING A COMPUTER OPERABLE IN FRICTIONAL PRICE MODE, E.G., 3 POUNDS FOR $1.00, OR WHOLE NUMBER PRICE MODE, E.G., $1.00 PER POUND, AND   PRICE ENTRY MEANS FOR THE COMPUTER SETTABLE EITHER TO FRACTIONAL OR WHOLE NUMBER PRICE.

United States Patent [72] Inventor William C. Susor [51 1 int. Cl 601g23/38 Oregon,0hi [50] Field ofSearch l77/3,4,5;' [21] Appl. No. 792,203235/58,61. 150.3, 150.31, 151.33, 164 (lnquired) [22] Filed Jan. 8, 1969[45] Patented June 28, 1971 [5 References Cited [73] Assignee TheReliance Electric and Engineering UNITED STATES PATENTS Company3,037,563 6/1962 Allen 177/4 q v l 3,181,633 5/1965 Worst 235 5sxCommune" of "ve 3.209.998 10/1965 Worst 235/61 513,361,Dec. 13,1965.

Pnmary Exammer-R1chard B. WliklnSOl'l Assistant Examiner-George H.Miller, Jr. Attorney-Thomas H. Grafton ELECTRONIC COMPUTING WEIGHINGSCALE ABSTRACT: An electronic computing weighing scale having WITH'PRICEMUPTIPLE POUNDS INPUT 4 a computer operable in fractional price mode,e.g., 3 pounds 12 chums 6 Drawmg for $1.00, or whole number price mode,e.g,, 1 .00 per pound, [52] 11.8. CI 177/ and price entry means for thecomputer settable either to frac- 235/15 1.33 tional or whole numberprice.

WEIGHWG some l-ze 21 MOTION DETECTOR 3,, 1 1 1 PROGRAMMER m 33-4541 #35P31;

COMPUTER f g NEW READOUT Am PRINTER 42. 45 44 '45 comcloeuce l 51clRcutTs l rev- :1

PATENTED JUN28I971 SHEET 1 OF 6 POWER ELECTRICAL I READOUT WEIGHINGSCALE MOTION DETECTOR PROGRAMMER COMPUTER MECHANICAL READOUT AND PRINTERl I l l COINCIDENCE CIRCUITS INVENTOR. WILLIAM C. SUSOR PATENTED JUH28I97l- 34581759 sum 2 OF 6 2|8 6'DECK SWITCH T0 LEAD- 27,1, m6

DECK 5 HIIIIIIK TO PROGRAAVIIMER 3o DECK 6 ,J

l N VILN TOR WILLIAM C. SUSOR BY 7 42.7w 1/.

ATTORN Y PATENTfinJuuzamm 3,587,759

sum 3 [1F 6 COUNTER INVENTOH.

WILLIAM C. SUSOR ATTORNEY PATENTEDJUH28IE1YE 3.581759 SHEET u UF 6COUNTER INVENTOR. WILLIAM G. SUSOR ATTORNEY PATENTE-U JUH28 um SHEET 5UF 6 INVENTOR, WILLIAM C. SUSOR mmm N NON EN 8N m mwhznOo m mmhzDOo 0mmHZDOO O mmFZDOO mmhzaoo ATTORNEY PATENTEUJUHZBISYI 3.587759 SHEET E OF6 23k |p FLOP RESET PROGRAMMER 1 H S B TO LEAD 29 236 230 4 227 FIG.I 42 L so 228/? 2 T t QGQNNUTATQR ENTRY 235 229 238 AND 254 fio 2 WElGHT 2256 2 4| ENTRY ,AND 257 =4 AND 242 AND 8 8 I AND 243 4 8 COMMUTATORENTRY AND 258 I -2s9 AND 44 AND 2 WEIGHT 2: 260 245 J 6 ENTRY AND 26' 4;1g

. AND 246 AND 8 a 1AND V t L G0MMUTAT0R ENTRY ,AND 262 I IAND 263 3 2AND 2 IAND WEIGHT 264 249 ENTRY W5 4 4 AND 265 250 M 8 8 IAND tCOMMUTATOR ENTRY AND 266 INVENTOR. 2 267 =1 WILLIAM C. SUSOR WEIGHT E 2BY ENTRY T 2 2 lfl J/ZMX/ ATTORNEY ELECTRONIC COMPUTING WEIGIIING SCALEWITII PRICE PER MULTIPLE POUNDS INPUT This is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 513,361 filed Dec. 13, I965.

invention relates to condition measuring and indication apparatus, suchas systems for weighing, computing and printing a record of the weightand value of each of a plurality of successively weighed loads, and moreparticularly to controls for such apparatus.

The controls are particularly useful in conjunction with the weighing,computing and printing system shown and described in commonly assignedU.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 429,230, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,384,193filed Feb. 1, 1965 in the names of \V. C. Susor and O. J. Martin and incommonly assigned U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 439,751, now U.S. Pat.No. 3,453,422 filed Mar. 15, 1965 in the name of W. C. Susor. In thesystem disclosed in such applications, commodities are weighed andprinted tickets are issued each bearing the net weight, price per pound,and computed value of the weighed commodity together with such variabledata as the date code, store or operator's code, commodity name, andcommodity grade. The controls of the invention are incorporated in suchsystem to provide fractional pricing so that, for example, a price of 3pounds/$1.00 can be printed on the tickets and multiplied by weight, thecomputed value incorporating the fractional price also being printed onthe tickets. "Fractional price" as used hereinafter means price permultiple pounds, such as 3 pounds for $1.00, and whole number price" asused hereinafter means price per single pound, such as $1.12 per pound.

The objects of this invention are to provide new techniques for printingtickets, labels or the like in computing and printing weighing scalesystems, to provide new controls for such systems, to improve suchsystems, to provide a computer for such a system in which one set ofcontrols sets fractional price information into the system for priceprinting and also into the system for value computing and printing, andto provide a computer for such a system in which fractional prices, suchas 2 pounds/$1.00, 3 pounds/$1.00, 4 pounds/$1.00, etc., are set intothe system for price printing and for value computing and printingdirectly without need for using conversion tables before setting theprices into the computer.

One embodiment of this invention enabling the realization of theseobjects is circuitry modifying the system disclosed in the aboveapplications; it includes price entry controls which are moved by theoperator to print whole number price per pound and to compute and printvalue in the usual way or to print a fractional price per pound, such as3 pounds/$1.00, and to compute and print value incorporating suchfractional price in the computation.

In accordance with the above, one feature of this invention resides inentering fractional prices, such as 3 pounds/$1.00, and whole numberprices, such as 59 cents a pound, through the same price entryapparatus.

Another feature resides in using existing circuitry for eitherfractionai price or whole number price mode of operation.

Still another feature resides in entering the fractional prices directlywithout need for using conversion tables.

Another feature resides in multiplying a nondecimal fraction of decimalprice per pound factor by weight accurately.

The above and other objects and features of this invention will beappreciated more fully from the following detailed description when readwith reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. I is a schematic diagram illustrating the general organization ofthe weighing, computing and printing system;

FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5 are detailed block diagrams of the computer shown inFIG. I; and

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of part of the controls of the inventioncombined with the system shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. I, a computing weighing scale 10 includes a lever 11and an optical projection system which diagrammatically includes a lightsource 12, a condensing lens 13, a projection lens 14 and a photocellmask 15. The light source 12, the lenses l3 and 14, and the mask 15 areconnected to ground as shown at 16 (e.g., base of weighing scale), themask 15 being rigidly mounted with respect to the projection optics. Acoded chart I7 is moved by the load-responsive lever 11 in the opticalprojection system, the chart l7, hence, being condition responsive. Acomputer I8 which is disclosed in detail in the above U.S. Pat.application Ser. No. 439,751 receives weight information from the scaleand multiplies the weight of an article upon the scale by the unit priceof such article to compute the value of such article. The computer 18also multiplies such unit price times one so that it can produce a unitprice output. The computer 18 has a weight input which is compatiblewith the parallel 1-2-4-8 binary coded decimal output of an electricalreadout 19 in circuit therewith.

The chart I! has a matrix of coded markings arranged in vertical bandsso that the relative position thereof may be read by a bank of readoutphotocells 20, with one cell being associated with each column,providing an indication of the weight upon the scale. The output of thephotocells is applied to the electrical readout 19, which makesavailable weight information to the input of the computer 18. The mask15 is shown as being slitted at 21-26 so that a small and clearlydefined portion of the projected image of the chart 17 is permitted tofall on each of the sensitive grids of the photocells, i.e., the maskscreens out unwanted chart bits (the projection lens 14 projects all ofthe bits in its field of view). There is a total of 14 photocells in thephotocell bank 20, only six of the 14 photocells being shown for thesake of simplicity. Fourteen photocells are enough to read out a chartcapacity of 25.00 pounds.

The weighing scale 10 is connected operatively to a motion detector 27through a connection 28, the motion detector preventing erroneous weightreadouts from taking place when the weighing mechanism is in motion. Themotion detector 27 applies no motion signals through a lead 29 to aprogrammer 30 which is disclosed in detail in the above U.S. Pat.application Ser. No. 429,230. The motion detector 27 also applies motionsignalsthrough a lead 31 to the programmer 30 and receives conditioningsignals from the programmer 30 through a lead 32.

The programmer 30 applies reset signals and command to compute signalsthrough leads 33, 34 and 35, respectively, to the computer 18 andreceives program advance signals through a lead 36 from the computer 18.The programmer 30 also receives power on signals through a lead 37 andcoincidence check signals through a lead 38. The coincidence checksignals indicate that the computer 18 and the readout positions of thenumber wheels in a mechanical readout and printer 39 agree. Theprogrammer 30 also applies a signal through a lead 40 to the mechanicalreadout and printer 39 commanding it to print.

As described in the above US. Pat. application Ser. No. 429,230, theprogrammer 30 is used in conjunction with a mechanical readout which isdisclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 416,526,now U.S. Pat. No. 3,416,151, filed Dec. 7, 1964, in the name ofC. E.Adler. The readout includes a combination of a series of modules eachcomprising a detent wheel which is directly gear connected to acommutator and to a print wheel. Each module indicates the digits of aparticular denominational order. When the turning print wheel approachesthe correct indicating position, a stopping latch intercepts the correctone of the teeth of the detent wheel to arrest the detent wheel. Suchreadout also includes coincidence circuits 4! which receive l-2-4-8binary coded unit price signals from the computer 18 through leads 42-45and 12-4-8 binary coded decimal signals through leads 46-49 indicativeof the positions of the commutators. The detent wheels and thus theprint wheels are stopped when the coincidence circuits determine thatthe wheels are in the correct indicating positions. The readout alsoincludes a solenoid coil which when it receives a signal through a lead51 permits a new reading to be made and a second solenoid coil whichwhen it receives a signal through a lead 53 unlocks the unit priceindicating modules. Similarly, the coincidence circuits 41 receivel-2-4-8 binary coded decimal computed value signals from the computer 18through leads 54-57 and l-2-a-8 binary coded decimal weight signals fromthe electrical readout 19 through leads 233, and l-2-4-8 binary codeddecimal signals through leads not shown indicative of the positions ofthe commutators.

Although the various logic circuits mentioned herein are in common usein the electronic control field, a brief description of the function ofeach circuit is as follows. An AND logic circuit produces an outputsignal when, and only when, all of a plurality of input signals arepresent. A NOT logic circuit produces an output signal at all timesunless an input signal is present. A MEMORY logic circuit sometimesknown as a flipflop or bistable circuit has ON and OFF or reset inputterminals, and ON and OFF output terminals. The MEMORY or bistablecircuit produces an ON output signal in response to a signal applied atthe ON input terminal and continues to produce the ON output signal,even though the input signal at the ON input terminal is removed, untila signal is applied to the OFF input terminal. The MEMORY circuit willthen be turned OFF and produce an OFF output signal even though thesignal at the OFF input terminal is removed. The MEMORY circuit willrevert to its initial state upon application of a signal to the ON inputterminal. An OR logic circuit produces an output upon receiving an inputsignal at any of a plurality of input terminals. For further details onthe construction and operation of various types of logic circuitsreference is made to an article entitled Static Switching Devices," byRobert A. Mathias, in Control Engineering, May 1957. All of the logiccircuits mentioned hereinafter, such as gates and flip-flops, and theclock and diode matrix circuits are of conventional type. Theconnections between said circuits are clearly shown in the drawings andwill not be described in detail.

The computer 18 is shown in detailed block form in FIGS. 2-5, thefigures being connected together at the lead ends as indicated and ingenerally the same manner as shown in the above U.S. Pat. applicationSer. No. 439,751. The computer 18 basically is the same as disclosed insuch application except it has been modified for the entry either offractional or whole number prices in accordance with the invention.

The computer 18 includes a synchronized free running multivibrator orclock 58, which is gated on by a reset signal from the programmer 30through the lead 33, a conventional 1-2-4 -8 binary counter 59, aconventional l-2-4-8 binary coded decimal counter 60, and two two-stageflip-flops 61 and 62 (bistable means), the counters 59 and 60, thetwo-stage flipflops 61 and 62, and a register 72 being reset at thestart of a cycle by the same reset signal from the programmer 30 throughthe lead 33 which gates on the clock 58. Price entry is made in a pricecircuit 63 (first factor entering means, FIGS. 2 and 3) by moving priceknobs or levers and weight entry is made in a weight circuit 64 (secondfactor entering means) as described above, i.e., the parallel l-248binary coded decimal output of the electrical readout 19 (FIG. 1).

The two two-stage flip-flops 61 and 62 each is identical to thetwo-stage flip-flop shown in detail in FIG. 4 of the above U.S. Pat.application Ser. No. 429,230. The counters 59 and 60 each contain two ofsuch two-stage flip-flops, i.e., each of the two-stage flip-flops 61 and62 may be considered as half of a conventional l-2-48 binary codeddecimal counter which counts to three by the following code:

1 .2 4 5 Count Binary output 0 0 0 0 0 i 2mm 1, not 2 1 0 U l) 1 1 2(true 1, not 2). 0 1 0 0 2 1 2 (not 1. true 2). 1 1 0 t) 3 1 '2 (true 1,true 2).

number price mode, the least significant place in the selected price perpound is multiplied by each place in the weight figure using the leastsignificant place first, etc., with pulse entry of the partial productsmade into the register 72 which by partial product accumulation producesthe final computed value figure. Then the procedure is repeated bymultiplying the next place in the price per pound by each place in theweight figure and repeated again using the last place in the price perpound. The decimal price entry is changed to l-2-4 -8 binary codeddecimal by a conventional encoder or diode matrix 73, e.g., a decimalnine in produces a 18 binary output, and is applied to a coincidencecircuit 74. The parallel 12-a-8 binary coded decimal weight output ofthe electrical readout 19 is applied to a coincidence circuit 75. At thestart, with the clock 58 gated on and the counters 59 and 60 and thetwo-stage flip-flops 61 and 62 reset, price entry upsets coincidencebetween the price entry and the count in the counter 59 as detected bythe coincidence circuit 74 and weight entry upsets coincidence betweenthe weight entry and the count in the counter 60 as detected by thecoincidence circuit 75. In the whole number price mode, the two-stageflip-flop 61 in its reset state selects the cents place in the selectedprice per pound to be multiplied first and the two-stage flip-flop 62 inits reset state selects the hundredths place in the weight figure to bemultiplied first.

The clock 58 has a gate terminal G to which the reset signal from theprogrammer 30 is applied through the lead 33 to gate on the clock andtwo output terminals 81 and 82. The clock 58 always starts negativeputting such negative pulse on the terminal 81 while putting thepositive portion of the pulse on the terminal 82. The two-stageflip-flop 61, which is identical to the one shown in FIG. 4 of the aboveU.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 429,230, has four output leads identifiedby the numbers 1, 2, l and 2 just as are the four output leads shown insuch FIG. 4 to produce binary outputs in accordance with the code setforth in the above table. At count zero, 1 and 2 outputs enable an ANDgate 83; at count one, 1 and 2 outputs enable an AND gate 84; at counttwo, i and 2 outputs enable an AND gate 85; and at count three, 1 and 2outputs partially enable an AND gate 201. The two-stage flip-flop 61also has output, in and reset terminals 0, IN and R, respectively. Thetwo-stage flip-flop 62 also has four output leads identified by thenumbers 2, 2, 1, and 1. At count zero, 1 and 2 outputs partially enablean AND gate 87; at count one, 1 and 2 outputs partially enable an ANDgate 88; at count two, 1 and 2 outputs partially enable two AND gates 90and 91; and at count three, I and 2 outputs partially enable AND gate89. The two-stage flip-flop 62 also has output, in and reset terminals0, IN and R, respectively. The l-2-4-8 binary counter 59 has in andreset terminals IN and R, respectively. In the reset condition, the fouroutput leads of the counter 59 apply four outputs to AND gates 9295,respectively, to partially enable such gates. The 1-2-a-8 binary codeddecimal counter 60 has in, reset and output terminals IN, R and 0,respectively. In the reset condition, the four output leads of thecounter 60 apply four outputs to AND gates 96-99, respectively, topartially enable such gates. At the same time, all outputs from thecounter 60 are applied to an AND gate 100 to partially enable it.

Price entry is made in the price circuit 63 (FIGS. 2 and 3) whichincludes a bank of 10 cents contacts 101 (only nine shown), a bank of 10dimes contacts 102 (only nine shown), and a bank of 10 dollars contacts103 (only nine shown) which are closed by setting the price knobs orlevers to selected positions. Fractional price entry also is made in theprice circuit 63 by means described below after the basic computingcircuit has been described. The contacts 101l03 are in circuit with therespective ones of terminals l-9 in the diode matrix 73. The AND gate 83when enabled by the twostage flip-flop 61 being in its reset stateapplies an output to a lead 104 (controls partial product gatinghereinafter described) and to the bank of cents contacts 101; and ANDgate 84 when enabled by the two-stage flip-flop 61 being in its countone state applies an output to a lead 105 (controls partial productgating) and to the bank of dimes contacts 102; and the AND gate 85 whenenabled by the two-stage flip-flop 61 being in its count two stateapplies an output to a lead 106 (controls partial product gating) and tothe bank of dollars contacts 103. The leads 104-106 are connected to thepartial product gating shown in FIG. 5.

The decimal price entry, e.g., a price of $1.12, would connect a closedcontact in the bank 101 to the 2 terminal of the diode matrix 73, aclosed contact in the bank 102 to the l terminal of the diode matrix 73,and a closed contact in the bank 103 to the l terminal of the diodematrix 73, is changed to l-2-a'-8 binary coded decimal by the diodematrix 73. It is to be remembered that only one bank of contacts isenergized at a time as programmed by the two-stage flip-flop 61. Whenprice contacts are closed, output terminals l, 2, 4, and 8 of the diodematrix 73 apply inputs to the respective AND gates 92- -95. For example,a decimal nine in produces a l8 binary output on output terminals 1 and8 which is applied to AND gates 92 and 95.

Weight entry is made in the weight circuit 64 which includes four ANDgates 111-1 14 which receive the hundredths place parallel l2-4-8 binarycoded decimal output of the electrical readout 19 (FIG. 1), four ANDgates 115-118 which receive the tenths place parallel l-2-4-8 binarycoded decimal weight output, four AND gates 119-122 which receive theunits place weight output, and two AND gates 123-124 which receive thetens place weight output (25.00 pounds weighing scale capacity). Theoutputs of AND gates 111 and 115 are applied through OR gates 125 and126 to the AND gate 99 and the output of the AND gate 119 is appliedthrough OR gate 126 to the AND gate 99. The outputs ofAND gates 112 and116 are applied through OR gates 127 and 128 to the AND gate 98 and theoutput of the AnD gate 120 is applied through the OR gate 128 to the ANDgate 98. The outputs of AND gates 113 and 117 are applied through ORgates 129- -131 to the AND gate 97, the outputs of AND gate 121 isapplied through the OR gates 130 and 131 to the AND gate 97, and theoutput of the AND gate 123 is applied through the OR gate 131 to the ANDgate 97. The output of the AND gates 114 and 118 are applied through ORgates 132-135 to the AND gate 96, the output of AND gate 122 is appliedthrough the OR gates 133-135 to the AND gate 96, the output of AND gate124 is applied through OR gates 134 and 135 to the AND gate 96, and theoutput of the AND gate 91 is applied through the OR gate 135 to the ANDgate 96. The function of the AND circuit 91 is not to make weight entrybut to make entry of a factor of one which is multiplied by the priceentry for the purpose of storing price information in the register 72.The output of AND gate 87 partially enables AND gates 111- -114, theoutput of AND gate 88 partially enables AND gates 115-118, the output ofAND gate 90 partially enables AND gates 119-122, and the output of ANDgate 89 partially enables AND gates 123 and 124. AND gates 87, 88, 90,89 and 91 also apply their outputs to leads 136-140, respectively, whichare connected to the partial product gating (FIG. 5) hereinafterdescribed. Leads 138 and 140 are in circuit with the input of an OR gate141.

At the start ofa cycle the clock 58 is gated on and the counters 59 and60, the two-stage flip-flops 61 and 62, and the register 72 are reset bythe reset signal from the programmer 30 through the lead 33. At thecount zero, the l and 2 outputs of the reset flip-flop 61 enable the ANDgate 83 as described above to select the cents place in the price perpound to be multiplied first. Price entry is made as described aboveproducing the l2-4-8 binary coded decimal output from the diode matrix73. The coincidence circuit 74 includes the AND gates 92-95 and an ORgate 142. At count zero, the reset counter 59 has four outputs whichpartially enable the four AND gates 92-95. Price entry completelyenables the respective ones of the AND gates 92-95 as described aboveand the outputs of the enabled AND gates 92-95 are applied to the ORgate 142 which in turn delivers an input to the AND gate 76. When thisoutput from the OR gate 142 ceases, the

Llt

change in state is used as an input to an AND gate 143. Price entryupsets coincidence between the price entry and the count in the counter59 as detected by the coincidence circuit and clock pulses are passed bythe AND gate 76 as long as coincidence does not exist, the AND gate 76being enabled by the outputs of the OR gate 142 and the clock 58. Asdescribed above, decimal price entry in each l9 place in the pricefigure is made by closing selected ones of the contacts 101- -103. Nocontacts are needed in multiplying price times weight for the 0 placesin the price figure because coincidence already exists between the ANDgates 92-95 and the count in the counter 59 (condition of circuit asshown with all of the contacts 101103 open) when a 0 is selected to ineffect multiply the weight-entry by zero putting no pulses in theregister 72 as the computer steps through its cycle.

At count zero, the l and 2 outputs of the reset two-stage flip-flop 62partially enable the AND gate 87 which is completely enabled by acommand to multiply weight times price on the lead 34 from theprogrammer 30. However, before this happens a command from theprogrammer 30 to multiply one times price is applied to the computerfrom the lead 35. Since multiplying one times price is done in the samemanner as multiplying weight times price, for the sake of simplicity,the process will not be described except to note that at the beginningof the cycle when one is to be multiplied by price the two-stageflip-flop 62 is in its count zero stage partially enabling the AND gate87 which is not completely enabled because there is no input from theprogrammer 30 on the lead 34 resulting in zero being multiplied byprice, then the two-stage flip-flop 62 is advanced to its count onestate with the same result, then the two-stage flip-flop 62 is advancedto its count two state resulting in partial enabling of AND gates and 91with the same result as to AND gate 90, and'then the two-stage flip-flop62 is advanced to its count three state with the same result. Thepartially enabled AND gate 91 is completely enabled by the command tomultiply one times price on the lead 35 and the output of the enabledAND gate 91 is applied to the lead 140 (controlling partial productgating hereinafter described) and to the OR gate which applies an inputto the AND gate 96, whereupon one is multiplied times price ashereinafter described in connection with a description of multiplyingweight times price. The unit price figure is stored in the register 72in the same manner as the computed valve figure is stored in theregister. The register 72 contains one series of counter stages forstoring the unit price figure and another for storing the computed valuefigure. For the sake of simplicity, only one series of counter stages isshown in FIG. $.However, as shown in FIG. 1, leads 42-45 extend from theprice counter stages and leads 54-57 extend from the computed valuecounter stages. As above described, the readout 39 (FIG. 1) includescoincidence circuits 41 which receive l-2-4-8 binary coded unit pricesignals from the computer 18 through leads 42-45, i.e., from one seriesof counter stages, and l-2-4-8 binary coded decimal value signalsthrough leads 54-47, i.e., from the other respective series of counterstages.

After the selected price figure has been stored in the register 72, theprice entry is multiplied again but this time by the weight entry toobtain the computed value. First, the clock 58 is gated on and thecounters $9 and 60, the two-stage flipflops 61 and 62, and the register72 are reset by the reset signal from the programmer 30 through the lead33 and later the computer 18 receives the command to multiply weighttimes price on the lead 34 from the programmer 30 partially enabling ANDgates 87, 88, 89 and 90. At count zero, the l and 2 outputs of the resettwo-stage flip-flop 62 completely enable the partially enabled AND gate87. The enabled AND gate 87 applies its output to the lead 136(controlling partial product gating hereinafter described) and to theinputs of AND gates 111-114 to select the hundredths place in the weightfigure to be multiplied first. As above described, the hundredths placeparallel l-2-4-8 binary coded decimal output of the electrical readout19 (FIG. 1), i.e., the weight entry,

completely enables the respective ones of the AND gates 111- -114 to inturn cause the respective AND gates 96-99 to be enabled, the fouroutputs from the reset counter 60 having already partially enabled suchAND gates 96-99. The coincidence circuit 75 includes the AND gates96-100 a NOT gate 144, and an OR gate 145. Weight entry completelyenables the respective ones of the AND gates 96-99 as described aboveand the outputs of the enabled AND gates 96-99 are applied to the ORgate 145 which in turn delivers an input to an AND gate 146 partiallyenabling it. No weight entry for the places in the weight figure isneeded because coincidence already exists between the AND gates 96-99and the count in the counter 60 before a weight entry is made to ineffect multiply the price entry by zero putting no pulses in theregister 72 as the computer steps through its cycle.

The negative pulse from the clock 58 also is applied to the NOT gate 144which inverts the signal and applies it to the AND gate 100 whichalready is partially enabled by the four outputs of the reset counter 60and the pulse from the clock 58 when it goes positive enables the ORgate 145 by way of a lead 147 it the OR gate 145 is not enabled already.The enabled AND gate 100 applies its output to an OR gate 149 having itsoutput connected to the AND gate 146. The output of the AND gate 76 isconnected to an input of the AND gate 77,

' the output of the AND gate 77 being connected to inputs of AND gates150- 153 of the partial product gating. The output of the AND gate 76also is connected to the [N terminal of the counter 60.

The AND gate 146 which is enabled by inputs from the OR gates 145 and149 enables the partially enabled AND gate 77 which passes clock pulsesto be counted by the register 72 and the AND gate 76 applies pulses tobe counted to the counter 60. Accordingly, as long as the coincidencecircuit detects a condition of no coincidence between the weight entryand the count in the counter 60 pulses pass to the register 72 and tothe counter 60. That is, weight entry upsets coincidence. When the countin the counter 60 reaches a state where the 12-a-8 coded output of thecounter agrees with the l-24-8 weight code set up on the AND gates96-99, the respective counter outputs to the enabled ones of the ANDgates 96-99 are cut off and such AND gates 96-99 are disabled and nooutputs are applied by such AND gates 96-99 to the OR gate 145(coincidence). As soon as the next clock pulse starts going negative,this signal is applied to the OR gate 145 through the lead 147 todisable it which in turn causes the AND gate 146 to be disabled. This inturn causes the AND gate 77 connected to the disabled AND gate 146 toclose cutting off pulses to the register 72. However, pulses still flowfrom the AND gate 76 to the counter 60 which resets on the tenth pulseand applies such tenth pulse to the [N terminal of the counter 59 toadvance it.

The OR gate 149 is a holding circuit which keeps the AND gate 146 onuntil it loses its input from the OR gate 145 because the output of theAND gate 146 is applied to the OR gate 149 which has its output in turnconnected to the input of the AND gate 146. The counter 60 counts assoon as it receives a pulse that is starting to go positive. The OR gate145 drops out as far as it is enabled by the positive pulse from theclock 58 on lead 147 as soon as the pulse starts going negative. Thisdelay afier coincidence between the count in the counter 60 and theweight entry set up on the AND gates 96-99 has been attained ensuresfull pulse count by not closing the AND gate 77, which is connected tothe OR gate 145 through the AND gate 146, until it is certain that theregister 72 has received the last pulse to be counted. This prevents aclock pulse from being cut short by the AND gate 77 when it is disabled.When the counter 60 is reset (resets and applies four outputs to the ANDgate 100 as soon as it receives the tenth positive pulse), the ANDcircuit 100 is disabled by a negative input signal applied to it by theNOT gate 144. This ensures that the tenth pulse is not counted by theregister 72.

Reset of the counter 60 upsets coincidence between its count and theweight entry and the process is repeated until the counter 59 isadvanced to a point where its l-24-8 coded output agrees with thel-2-4-8 code set up on the AND gates 92-95. The respective counteroutputs to the enabled ones of the AND gates 92-95 are cut off and suchAND gates 92-95 are disabled and no outputs are applied by such ANDgates 92-95 to the OR gate 142 (coincidence). This means that, if thecents place in the price entry was a two and the hundredths place in theweight entry was a four, eight pulses have been counted by the register72, i.e., a partial product.

When coincidence circuit 74 (AND gates 92-95 and counter 59) detectscoincidence. the output from the OR gate 142 changes sign and this inputis applied to the AND gate 143 which already is enabled by the outputfrom the clock 58. The enabled AND gate 143 enables an OR gate 155 andapplies an advance signal on a lead 156 connected to the IN terminal ofthe two-stage flip-flop 62 to advance it to its count one state. Aninput of the OR gate 155 also is connected to the lead 33 on which resetsignals are applied from the programmer 30. The enabled OR gate 155resets both counters 59 and 60 by applying reset signals to terminals Rof such counters. The two-stage flip-flop 62 in its count one stateselects the tenths place in the weight figure to be multiplied next land 2 outputs together with the command to compute signal on the lead 34enable the AND gate 88). The cents place in the price entry now ismultiplied by the tenths place in the weight figure as described abovewith pulse entry of the partial product in the register 72 whichaccumulates the partial products, and another output from the AND gate143 resets the counters 59 and 60 and advances the two-stage flip-flop62 to its count two state.

The two-stage flip-flop 62 in its count two state selects the unitsplace in the weight figure to be multiplied next (l and 2 outputstogether with the command to compute signal on the lead 34 enable theAND gate 90). The cents place in the price entry now is multiplied bythe units place in the weight figure as described above with pulse entryof the partial product in the register 72 and another output from theAND gate 143 resets the counters 59 and 60 and advances the two-stageflipflop 62 to its count three state.

The two-stage flip-flop 62 in its count three state selects the tenthsplace in the weight figure to be multiplied next l and 2 outputstogether with the command to compute signal on the lead 34 enable theAND gate 89). The cents place in the price entry now is multiplied bythe tenths place in the weight figure as described above with pulseentry of the partial product into the register 72 and another outputfrom the AND gate 143 resets the counters 59 and 60 and resets thetwo-stage flip-flop 62 to its count zero state which as it resetsapplies a pulse on the lead to advance the two-stage flip-flop 61 to itscount one state.

The two-stage flip-flop 61 in its count one state (I and 2 outputsenable the AND gate 84) selects the dimes place in the price entry to bemultiplied next. The above process is repeated'until every place in theweight figure is multiplied by the dimes place in the price entrywhereupon two-stage flipflop 62 resets and applies a pulse on the lead80 to advance the two-stage flip-flop 61 to its count two state.

The two-stage flip-flop 61 in its count two state (l and 2 output enablethe AND gate 85) selects the dollars place in the price entry to bemultiplied next. The above process is repeated until every place in theweight figure is multiplied by the dollars place in the price entry,whereupon two-stage flipflop 62 resets and applies a pulse on the lead80 to advance the two-stage flip-flop 61 which then applies an output onthe lead 36 to advance the programmer 30. The computed value now isstored in register 72.

As described above, the leads 104-106 are connected to partial productgating shown in FIG. 5 which includes 12 AND gates 157-168. The partialproduct gating also includes the AND gates -153 each of which have aninput connected to the output of the AND gate 77. The other input of theAND gate 150 is connected to the lead 139; the other input of the ANDgate 151 is connected to the output of the OR gate 141,

the inputs of the OR gate 141 being connected to the leads 138 and 140;the other input of the AND gate 152 is connected to the lead 137; andthe other input of the AND gate 153 is connected to the lead 136. Theinputs of the AND gate 157 are connected to the lead 104 and to theoutput of the AND gate 153, respectively; the inputs of the AND gate 158are connected to the lead 105 and to the output of the AND gate 153,respectively; the inputs of the AND gate 159 are connected to the outputof the AND gate 153 and to the lead 106, respectively; the inputs of theAND gate 160 are connected to the lead 104 and to the output of the ANDgate 152, respectively; the inputs of the AND gate 161 are connected tothe lead 105 and to the output of the AND gate 152, respectively; theinputs of the AND gate 162 are connected to the lead 106 and to theoutput of the AND gate 152, respectively; the inputs of the AND gate163-are connected to the lead 104 and to the output of the AND gate 151,respectively; the inputs of the AND gate 164 are connected to the lead105 and to the output of the AND gate 151, respectively; the inputs ofthe AND gate 165 are connected to the output of the AND gate 151 and tothe lead 106, respectively; the inputs of the AND gate 166 are connectedto the lead 104 and to the output of the AND gate 150, respectively; theinputs of the AND gate 167 are connected to the lead 105 and to theoutput of the AND gate 150, respectively; and the inputs of the AND gate168 are connected to the lead 106 and to the output of the AND gate 150,respectively.

The output of AND gate 157 is connected to the input of an OR gate 169;the output of AND gate 158 is connected to the input of an OR gate 170;the output of AND gate 159 is connected to the input of an OR gate 171;the output of the AND gate 160 is connected to the input of the OR gate170; the output of the AND gate 161 is connected to an input of the ORgate 171; the output of the AND gate 162 is connected to an input of anOR gate 172; the output of the AND gate 163 is connected to an input ofthe OR gate 171; the output of the AND gate 164 is connected to an inputof the OR gate 172; the output of the AND gate 165 is connected to aninput of an OR gate 173; the output of the AND gate 166 is'connected toan input of the OR gate 172; and the output of the AND gate 167 isconnected to an input of the OR gate 173.

The register 72 includes a series of counter stages that by partialproduct accumulation produces the final computed value figure. Theregister 72 includes six binary coded decimal counters 174-179 each likethe counter 60 (FIG. 4). Each of the counters 174-179 includes input,reset and output terminals IN, R and 0, respectively. The resetterminals R of the counters 174-179 are connected to the programmerreset lead 33. The [N terminal of the counter 174 is connected to theoutput of the OR gate 169 through an OR gate 202 and an AND gate 203 andthe output terminal of the counter 174 is connected to an input of an ORgate 180, a second input of the OR gate 180 being connected to theoutput of the OR gate 170 through an AND gate 204. The input ofthecounter 175 is connected to the output of the OR gate 180 and the outputof the counter 175 is connected to an input of an OR gate 181, a secondinput of the OR gate 181 being connected to the output of OR gate 171through an AND gate 205. The input of the counter 176 is connected tothe output of the OR gate 181 and the output of the counter 176 isconnected to an input of an OR gate 182, a second input of the OR gate182 being connected to the output of the OR gate 172 through an AND gate206. The input of the counter 177 is connected to the output of the ORgate 182 and the output of the counter 177 is connected to an input ofan OR gate 183, a second input of the OR gate 183 being connected to theoutput of the OR gate 173 through an AND gate 207. The input of counter178 is connected to the output of the OR gate 183 and the output of thecounter 178 is connected to an input of an OR gate 184, a second inputof the OR gate 184 being connected to the output ofthe AND gate 168through an AND gate 208 and an OR gate 209. The input of counter 179 isconnected to the output of the OR gate 184 and the output ofcounter 179is connected to the input of counter 174 through the OR gate 202. Theoutput of the OR gate 169 when the AND gate 203 is enabled by meanshereinafter described fills the counter 174 until the tenth pulse spillsover to the counter 175 through the OR gate 180, the output of the ORgate 170 when the AND gate 204 is enabled also helping to fill thecounter 175 through the OR gate 180. In a similar manner, counters176-179 are each filled from two sources. An AND gate 210 is locatedbetween the OR gate 169 and the OR gate 184; an AND gate 211 is locatedbetween the OR gate 170 and the OR gate 202; and AND gate 212 is locatedbetween the OR gate 171 and the OR gate 180; and AND gate 213 is locatedbetween the OR gate 172 and the OR gate 181; an AND gate 214 is locatedbetween the OR gate 173 and the OR gate 182; and an AND gate 215 islocated between the OR gate 209 and the OR gate 183. An AND gate 216 hasits inputs connected to the output of the AND gate 151 and to a lead 280and has its output connected to an input of the OR gate 209.

Counters 174-179 accumulate the 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0decimal places in the computed value, respectively. Counters 174 and 175are not used in indicating the end result and thus the total computedvalue capacity is $99.99. That is, 0.0001+0.00l+0.0I+l-l.0+10.0 equals l1.1 l l 1. When the last two places are dropped, four places in thefigure remain. Counter 175 could be preset with five counts in order toround off to the next higher cent. Counters 176-179 each puts al-2-4-8binary coded decimal output on its four output leads one set ofwhich is numbered 54-57 in FIG. 5 (Counter 179) and shown as the fourleads 54-57 in FIG. 1. As above described, there are a commutator and aprint wheel for each set of four output leads in the mechanical readoutand printer 39 which are set up in accordance with the computed valuecount accumulated in the register 72. As also described above, there area commutator and a print wheel for each set of four output leads 42-45(FIG. 1) which are set up in accordance with the price count accumulatedin the register 72.

When computing a value in the whole number price mode, the two-stageflip-flop 61 selects in sequence (other sequences can be used) the centsand dimes and dollars places in the price entry to be multiplied one ata time by enabling in sequence the AND gates 83-85 and also selects theproper gates in the partial product gating by such enabling in sequencethe AND gates 83-85 which have their outputs connected to leads 104-106,respectively. The two-stage flipflop 62 selects in sequence (othersequences can be used) the hundredths, tenths, units, and tens places inthe weight entry to be multiplied one at a time by enabling in sequencethe AND gates 87, 88, and 89 and also selects the proper gates in thepartial product gating by such enabling in sequence the AND gates 87,88, 90 and 89 which have their outputs connected to leads 136-139. Theoutputs of the AND gates 87- -90 partially enable the AND gates -153(the output of AND gate 90 first enabling OR gate 141 which applies itsoutput to the AND gate-151) which are enabled by clock pulses to becounted passing through the AND gate 77. Hence, the outputs of the priceentry selection AND gates 83-85 and the outputs of the weight entryselection AND gates 150-153 enable the proper ones of the AND gates157-168 to steer the clock pulses to the proper ones of the counters174-179 so that the partial products are accumulated to the fullcomputed value figure.

Taking as an example in which the counter is not preset as describedabove, in multiplying $1.23 times 22.22 pounds which equals $27.33, asdescribed above the 2 in the hundredths weight place is multiplied timesthe 3 in the cents place, then times the 2 in the dimes place, and thentimes the 1 in the dollars place. This causes the output from thehundrcdths place AND gate 153 and the outputs in sequence on leads104-106 to first enable AND gate 157, then AND gate 158, and then ANDgate 159. The enabled AND gate 157 permits six pulses to be'fed tocounter 174 (2 in the hundredths weight entry times 3 in the centsplace), the enabled AND gate 158 permits four pulses to be fed tocounter 175 (2 in the hundredths weight entry times 2 in the dimesplace). and the enabled AND gate 159 permits two pulses to be fed tocounter 176 (2 in the hundredths weight entry times I in the dollarsplace). Then, the 2 in the tenths weight place is multiplied times the 3in the cents place. then times the 2 in the dimes place, and then timesthe l in the dollars place. This causes the output from the tenths placeAND gate 152 and the outputs in sequence on leads 104-106 to enable ANDgates 160, 161 and 162 in sequence. The enabled AND gates l60162 permitsix pulses to be fed to counter 175, four pulses to counter I76 and twopulses to counter 177. Similarly, multiplying the 2 in the units weightplace times the three places in the price entry and then multiplying the2 in the tens weight place times the three places in the price entrycauses partial products to accumulate the counters 174179.

In our example wherein $1.23 times 2222 pounds equals $27.33, thepartial products are entered and will accumulate to 527.3306 as shown inthe following table:

The controls of the invention are incroporated in the system to providefractional pricing so that, for example, a price of 3 pounds/$1.00 canbe printed on the tickets, labels or the like and multiplied by weight,the computed value incorporating the fractional price also being printedon the tickets. Fractional prices or whole number prices are enteredinto the system through the same price entry circuit (FIGS. 2 and 3),the existing computer and programmer circuitry being modified and usedfor either fractional price or whole number price mode of operation. Thesystem has been described in connection with an example of entering adecimal price such as $1.12 in the price contacts 101-103 andmultiplying such unit price by one to store the unit price figure in theregister 72 for print out and then multiplying such unit price by weightto store the computed value figure in the register 72 for print out.

Fractional price entry also is made in the price contacts 101 103 andadditionally in a six-deck switch which includes the six decks labeledDECK 1DECK 6 in FIG. 3. Deck 1 includes a bank of ten lO-dollarscontacts (only nine shown); decks 2, 3 and 4 each include a bank of 10contacts (only nine of each shown); deck 5 includes a bank of twocontacts; and deck 6 includes a bank of contacts. The price entrycircuit has a capacity of 2/$9.99, 3/8999 and 9/3999 when in thefractional price mode. As above described, there are a commutator and aprint wheel for each set of four output leads from the counters 176179in the mechanical readout and printer 39 which are set up in accordancewith the computed value count accumulated in the register 72, and thereare a commutator and a print wheel for each set of four output leads42-45 (FIG. 1) which are set up in accordance with the price countaccumulated in the register 72 (four sets of output leads and thus fourprint wheels for price). The print wheel which corresponds to lO-dollarsprice contacts of deck 1 of switch 218 also prints the slashes, e.g.,3/. The register 72 contains one series of counter stages (not shown)for storing the price figure and another identical series as shown inFIG. 5 for storing the computed value figure. Leads 4245 extend from theprice counter stages (FIG. 1) and leads 54-57 extend from the computedvalue counter stages. However, the computer circuit can be used exactlyas shown with only the one series of counter stages and its gatingsetting up both the price and computed value print wheels when themultiplexing circuit disclosed in U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 446,274filed Apr. 7, 1965 in the name of W. C. Susor is incorporated in thesystem. When the multiplexing circuit is used, l-2-4-8 binary codeddecimal unit price signals are put on the leads 4245 (FIG. 1 and alsoFIG. 1 in the above U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 446,274) from theregister 72 to set up the respective mechanical readout module for unitprice printing and thereafter in the program l-2-4-8 binary codeddecimal computed value signals are put on the same leads 4245 from thesame counters in the register 72 to set up the respective mechanicalreadout module for computed value printing.

The price entry circuit shown in the computer disclosed in the aboveU.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 439,751 is modified when the fractionalpricing controls of the invention are incorporated by the addition ofthe six-deck switch 218, and AND gate 201, AND gates 2l9224, the lead280, and leads 225- -226. Lead 225 is connected to the inputs of the ANDgates 220, 222, and 224, and the lead 226 is connected to the inputs ofthe AND gates 219, 221 and 223. The output of AND gate 83 is connectedto the inputs of AND gates 219-220; the output of AND gate 84 isconnected to the inputs of AND gates 221-222; the output of AND gate 85is connected to the inputs of AND gates 223224; and the output of ANDgate 201 is connected to deck 1 of the switch 218 and to the lead 280.The output of AND gate 219 is connected to the bank of 10 cents contacts101; the output of AND gate 220 is connected to deck 2 of the switch218; the output of AND gate 221 is connected to the bank of dimescontacts 102; the output of AND gate 222 is connected to deck 3 of theswitch 218; the output of AND gate 223 is connected to the bank ofdollars contacts 103; and the output of AND gate 224 is connected todeck 4 of the switch 218.

The l-9 contacts of deck 1 of the switch 218 are in circuit with therespective ones of terminals l9 in the diode matrix 73. The l9 contactsof deck 1 of switch 218 also are in circuit with certain of the contactsin decks 2, 3 and 4 of the switch 218 in the pattern shown in FIG. 2.The pattern is chosen to change nondecimal fractions to decimal entriesin decks 2, 3 and 4. A price of 2 for some-amount-of-money is set byclosing contacts 2 of the six-deck switch 218; contacts 2 in decks 2 and3 are connected to nothing but contact 2 in deck 4 is connected to the 5terminal in the diode matrix 73 to change the price to a decimal entryof 5.00, e.g., 2 pounds/$1.00 is a price of /z of $1.00 per pound or 0.5of $1.00 per pound. The 5.00 decimal entry is changed to a 0.50 in theregister 72 as hereinafter described. A price of 3 for is set by closingcontacts 3; the three 3 contacts in decks 2, 3 and 4 are connected tothe 3 terminal in the diode matrix 73 to change the price to a decimalentry of 3.33. A price of4 for is set by closing contacts 4; the 4contact of deck 2 is connected to nothing, the 4 contact of deck 3 isconnected to the 5 terminal in the diode matrix 73 and the 4 contact ofdeck 4 is connected to the 2 terminal in the diode matrix 73 to changethe price to a decimal entry of 2.50. A price of 5 for is set by closingcontacts 5; the 5 contacts of decks 2 and 3 are connected to nothing andthe 5 contact of deck 4 is connected to the 2 terminal in the diodematrix 73 to change the price to a decimal entry of 2.00. A price of 6for is set by closing the contacts 6; the 6 contacts of decks 2-4 areconnected to the 7, 6, and 1 terminals in the diode matrix 73,respectively, to change the price to a decimal entry of 1.67. A price of7 for is set by closing contacts 7; the 7 contacts of decks 2-4 areconnected to the 3, 4, and 1 terminals in the diode matrix 73,respectively, to change the price to a decimal entry of 1.43. A price of8 for is set by closing contacts 8; the 8 contacts of decks 2-4 areconnected to the 5, 2 and 1 terminals in the diode matrix 73,respectively, to change the price to a decimal entry of I25. A price of9 for is set by closing contacts 9; the 9 contacts of decks 2-4 areconnected to the 1 terminal in the diode matrix 73 to change the priceto a decimal entry of 1.1 1.

The fractional pricing controls are shown in FIG. 6. The programmer 30which is shown as a block in FIG. 1 is shown fragmentarily in FIG. 6,the programmer 30 being disclosed in detail in the above applicationSer. No. 429,230. Enough of the programmer 30 is shown in FIG. 6 to showhow the fractional pricing controls are connected thereto. AND gate 227and print solenoid coil 228 correspond to AND gate 100 and printsolenoid coil 102, respectively. shown in FIG. 3 of application Ser. No.429,230 and lamp 229 and limit switch 230 correspond. respectively, tolamp 66 and limit switch 103 shown in FIG. 2 of such application.Several additions are made to the programmer when fractional pricing isused. A flip-flop 231, having a set terminal S and a reset terminal R,has its input connected to the output of the AND gate 227 and its outputconnected, through a capacitor 232, to the reset terminal R of thetwo-stage flip-flop 55 shown in the above application Ser. No. 429,230and also has its output connected to the lead 29 (FIG. 1) through adelay circuit 233. Lead 29, as shown in FIG. 1, connects the motiondetector 27 to the programmer 30 and, as explained in the aboveapplication Ser. No. 429,230, applies no motion signals to theprogrammer 30. The reset terminal R of the flip-flop 231 is connectedtothe output of an OR gate 234 which has its input connected, through acapacitor 235, to the lamp 229, through a capacitor 236, to the limitswitch 230, and to a lead 237 connected to an output lead 282 of deck 5of the switch 218. The set terminal S of the flip-flop 231 is connectedto a lead 238 and the output of the flip-flop 231 is connected to a lead239. Lead 238 is connected to the inputs of AND gates 240-253. Lead 239is connected to the inputs of AND gates 254-267. Lead 238 also isconnected to lead 226 (FIG. 2) and to leads 268-273 (FIG. 5 Lead 239also is connected to lead 225 (FIG. 2) and to leads 274-278 and 281(FIG. 5).

As above described, there are a commutator and a print wheel for eachset of four output leads from the counters 176- -179 in the mechanicalreadout and printer 39 which are set up in accordance with the computedvalue count accumulated in the register 72. The hundredths-placecomputed value commutator places its l-2-4-8 binary coded decimal outputon the inputs of AND gates 254-257, respectively, as shown in FIG. 6;the tenths-place computed value commutator places its l-2-4-8 binarycoded decimal output on the inputs of AND gates 258-261, respectively;the units-place computed value commutator placesits l-2-4-8 binary codeddecimal output on the inputs 01' AND gates 262-265, respectively; andthe tens-place computed value commutator places the I-2 part of itsl-2-4-8 binary coded decimal output on the inputs of AND gates 266-267,respectively. Weight entry is made by applying the hundredths place l2-48 binary coded decimal output of the electrical readout 19 (FIG. 1)to the inputs of AND gates 240-243, respectively, as shown in FIG. 6; byapplying the tenths-place 1-2-4-8 binary coded decimal output of theelectrical readout 19 to the inputs of AND gates 244-247, respectively;by applying the unitsplace l-24-8 binary coded decimal output of theelectrical readout 19 to the inputs of AND gates 248-251, respectively;and by applying the l-2 part of the tens-place l-2-4-8 binary codeddecimal output of the electrical readout 19 to the inputs of AND gates252-253, respectively. The AND gates, shown in FIG. 6, when enabledproduce the indicated binary coded decimal outputs which are applied asweight entries in the weight circuit 64 (FIG. 4) described above. Inother words, the computer disclosed in the above US. Pat. applicationSer. No. 439,751 is modified by connecting the respective leadsidentified as 1-2-4-8 in FIG. 6 to the weight input leads identified asl-2-4-8 in FIG. 4.

In operation in whole number price mode, the six-deck switch 218 is setup at or 1 (1 pound for and the price entry is made in the banks ofcontacts 101-103 as described above. Setting the six-deck switch 218 atO or I closes the respective 0 or I contact in deck putting a DC locksignal on the lead 282 (FIG. 2) which is connected to the lead 237 (FIG.6) putting in turn the lock signal through the OR gate 234 on the resetterminal R of the flip-flop 231 to set the flipflop 231. The flip-flop231 in its set state applies a Y signal to the lead 238 which is appliedin turn to the several AND gates that are shown in FIG. 6 connected tothe lead 238, to the lead 226 in FIG. 3 also identified as Y, and to theleads 268-273 in FIG. 5 also identified as Y. The flip-flop 231 also isset by a signal spike from the capacitor 236 when the limit switch 230(corresponds to limit switch 103 in FIG. 2 of application Ser. No.429,230) is closed at the end ofa printing cycle and by a signal spikefrom the capacitor 235 when the lamp 229 (corresponds to lamp 66 in FIG.2 of application Ser. No. 429,230) is lit as a signal to the operator toset the commodity name plate in the machine, turn the price knobs or setthe price levers, set tare into the system, and push a lock or resetbutton. Change in a price or tare or commodity plate setting interruptsthe cycle of operations and, similarly, movement of deck 6 of thesix-deck switch 218 (FIG. 2) interrupts the cycle of operations becausethe output lead of deck 6 is in series with the switches in theprogrammer 30 which are operated when new tare and commodity namesettings are made. Deck 6 is an interlock which causes the programmer 30to reset whenever the six-deck switch 218 is turned from one numberposition to another.

The Y signal on the lead 238 partially enables AND gates 240-253 (FIG.6) which are enabled by the weight entry to produce the indicated binarycoded decimal outputs corresponding exactly to the weight entry, suchoutputs being applied as weight entries in the circuit 64 (FIG. 4). TheY signal applied to the AND gates 219, 221, and 223 (FIG. 3) partiallyenables them and when they are enabled by outputs from the two-stageflip-flop controlled AND gates 83-85 such AND gates 219, 221, and 223apply their outputs to the respective banks of contacts 101-103. Hence,in whole number price mode, price entry is made in the normal way. The Ysignal applied to the leads 268-273 (FIG. 5) partially enable therespective AND gates 208, 207, 206, 205, 204 and 203 to which they areconnected and the register 72 accumulates the partial products asdescribed above.

To summarize the operation in whole number price mode, the six-deckswitch 218 is set at 0 or I and the price entry is made in the banks ofcontacts 101-103. The resulting Y signal produced by the set flip-flop231 on the lead 238 then produces normal operation, i.e., it allows theprice entry to be multiplied by l to store the unit price figure in theregister 72 for print out as described above and the price entrysubsequently to be multiplied by weight to store the computed valuefigure in the register 72 for print out.

In operation in fractional price mode, the six-deck switch .218 is setat 2 or 3 or 9 in accordance with the fractional price, i.e., 2 for or 3for or 9 for and the rest of the price entry is made in the banks ofcontacts 101- 103. For example, the price of 3/$0.89 is entered byturning the six-deck switch 218 to 3 and by entering 0.89 by closing the0 contact (not shown) in the dollars contacts 103, by closing the 8contact in the dimes contacts 102, and by closing the 9 contact in thecents contacts 101. Setting the six-deck switch 218 at a number otherthan 0 or 1 opens the 0 and 1 contacts of deck 5 of the switch 218'toremove the DC lock signal from the lead 237 (FIG. 6) permitting the setflip-flop 231 to be reset as hereinafter described (DC lock signal onlead 237 or closing of print complete switch 230 or lighting of lamp 229sets the flip-flop 231 as described above). At this time the programmer30 is reset by movement of interlock deck 6 of the switch 218 asdescribed above.

Since multiplying one times fractional price is clone in the same manneras multiplying one times whole number price, the process will not bedescribed in detail. The Y signal produced by the set flip-flop 231 isapplied to the AND gates 219, 221 and 223 and when they are enabled byoutputs from the two-stage flip-flop controlled AND gates 83-85 such ANDgates 219, 221, and 223 apply their outputs to the respective banks ofcontacts 101-103. Thecommand from the programmer 30 to multiply onetimes price is applied to the computer from the lead 35 (FIG. 4) andalso is applied to the AND gate 201 from the lead 279 (FIG. 3) and, whenthe AND gate 201 is enabled by the I and 2 outputs from the twostagefiip'flop'61 the AND gate 201 applies its output to deck 1 (10 dollarscontacts) of the six-deck switch 218. The Y signal also is applied tothe AND gates 268-273 (FIG. to control the partial product gating in thesame manner as when in the whole number price mode as described above.In addition, the signal from the enabled AND gate 201 is applied to alead 280 (FIG. 3) which continues on in FIG. 5 to connect with the inputof the AND gate 216.

The function of the AND gate 91 (FIG. 4) is to make entry of a factor ofone which is multiplied by the price entry, whether fractional price orwhole number price, for the purpose of storing price information in theregister 72 (FIG. 5). The AND gate 91 is partially enabled during themultiplying cycle by the two-stage flip-flop 62 and is completelyenabled by the command to multiply one times price on the lead 35. Theoutput of the enabled AND gate 91 is applied to the OR gate 141 throughthe lead 140. The output of the OR gate 141 is applied as an input tothe AND gate 151 (FIG. 5) which is completely enabled by clock pulses tobe counted passing through the AND gate 77. The output of the AND gate151 is applied as an input to the AND gate 216 which is completelyenabled by a signal on the lead 280 from the AND gate 201 (FIG. 3)indicating that the I0 dollars place in the fractional price entry isbeing multiplied by one. The output of the AND gate 216 is applied as aninput to the OR gate 209 which has its output connected to an input ofthe OR gate 184 through the AND gate 208 which is partially enabled bythe Y signal. The clock pulses (I0 dollar price entry on deck I ofswitch 218 times one pass through the open gates [51, 216, 209, 208, and184 into the counter 179. A fractional price entry of 310.89, forexample, puts nine pulses in counter 176, eight pulses in counter 177,zero pulses in counter 178 in exactly the same manner (because of the Ysignal) as when a price entry of 0.89 is multiplied by one when in wholenumber price mode and in addition three pulses are put in counter 179(because when in fractional price mode dollar pulses pass through opengates 151, 216, 209, 208 and 184 into counter 179). As above described,the price printer wheel associated with counter 179 also prints theslash. Accordingly, 3/089 will be printed.

In continued operation in fractional price mode, after multiplying onetimes fractional price has been accomplished and the result stored inthe mechanical readout 39 (FIG. 1) and using the above example of aprice of 3/089 and a weight entry of IS pounds, 0.89 is multiplied by inthe same manner as a price entry of 0.89 is multiplied by I5 pounds whenin whole number price mode. The 3 which is entered on deck 1 of six-deckswitch 218 is not multiplied because at this point in the programmercycle the command to multiply by one no longer holds AND gate 201 (FIG.3) open. The command to multiply price times weight appears on the lead34 (FIG. 4) from the programmer at this point in the cycle. The Y signalproduced by the set flip-flop 231 is applied to the AND gates 219, 221and 223 and when they are enabled by outputs from the two-stageflip-flop controlled AND gates 83- -85 such AND gates 219, 221, and 223apply their outputs to the respective banks of contacts 101-103 in whichthe price of 0.89 is entered. The Y signal also is applied to the ANDgates 268-273 (FIG. 5) to control the partial product gating in the samemanner as when in the whole number price mode. Counters 174-179accumulate the 0.000], 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, L0, and 10.0 decimal places inthe product of 0.89 times I5. Counter 175 can be preset with five countsin order to round off to the next higher cent. In multiplying 0.89 timesl5 which equals $13.35 (Counter 175 not preset in our example), partialproducts are accumulated in the same manner in the register 72 as in theabove table showing $l.23 multiplied by 22.22 pounds equals $27.33, andcounter 179 has one count, counter 178 has three counts, counter 177 hasthree counts and counter 176 has five counts, i.e., S l 3.35 is storedin counters 176-179 and subsequently stored in the mechanical readout39. The programmer AND gate 227 (FIG. 6) then is enabled and applies aninput signal to the print solenoid 228 and to the flip-flop 23L However,the controls of the Invention prevent this first print signal fromcausing printlng.

The first print signal resets the flip-flop 231 which produces a 2signal on the lead 239 and resets the programmer 30 by causing a spikesignal on the capacitor 232 to be applied to the reset terminal R of thetwo-stage flip-flop 55 shown in the programmer disclosed in the aboveapplication Ser. No. 429,230. The programmer 30 resets before the printsolenoid 228 has time to produce a print. After a delay produced bydelay circuit 233 a signal is placed by the delay circuit 233 on thelead 29 which normally carries the no motion signal from the motiondetector 27 (FIG. I) to the programmer 30. This conditions theprogrammer for renewed operation. The Z signal on the lead 239 partiallyenables AND gates 254-267 (FIG. 6) some of which are enabled by the$13.35 figure stored in the mechanical readout 39, i.e., the computedvalue commutators place their l-2-4-8 binary coded decimal outputs onthe inputs identified as COMMUTATOR ENTRY in FIG. 6 and as describedabove. In other words, the original weight input of IS pounds applied atWEIGHT ENTRY in FIG. 6 is changed to 13.35 via the computed valuecommutators and this faked weight entry is applied as a weight entry inthe same manner as a real weight entry when in whole number price modeto the weight circuit (FIG. 4). To summarize, when in whole number pricemode, a weight entry applies at WEIGHT ENTRY in FIG. 6 appearsunchanged, because of the Y signal, at the output leads l2-4-8 and thisunchanged weight entry is multiplied by whole number price in the nonnalway. However, when in fractional price mode, a weight entry applied atWEIGHT ENTRY in FIG. 6 appears unchanged, because of the Y signal, atthe output leads l-2-4-8 and this unchanged weight entry is multipliedby only part of the price, e.g., with a price of 3/089, the 0.89 part isused, and then because of the Z signal the product of such part of theprice times weight appears at the output leads l-2-4-8 and thus at theweight entry leads l-2-4-8 in FIG. 4.

To continue with our example of 3/089 times 15 pounds, 0.89 has beenmultiplied by l5 and the product l3.35 has been entered as a weightentry in the weight circuit shown in FIG. 4. The 2 signal also isapplied through the lead 225 (FIG. 3) to the AND gates 220, 222 and 224to partially enable them and when they are enabled by outputs from thetwo-stage flipflop controlled AND gates 83-85 such AND gates 220, 222,and 224 apply their outputs to the respective banks of contacts in decks2, 3 and 4 of the six-deck switch 218. As above described, fractions arechanged to decimals in decks 2, 3 and 4. In our example, the price of 3for is set by closing contacts 3, the three 3 contacts in decks 2, 3 and4 being con nected to the 3 terminal in the diode matrix 73 to changethe number 3 for i.e., 9%, to a decimal entry of 3.33 (3.33

because decks 2, 3 and 4 are connected to the dollars, dimes and centscontacts 103-101, respectively, which places the decimal point in thewrong place). This price entry of 3.33 is multiplied by the faked weightentry of 13.35 and the decimal place is shifted one place to the left (3for is 99 of I which equals 0.333 not 3.33).

The decimal place is shifted one place to the left by means of the Zsignals indicated in FIG. 5 and the gates to which they are applied.Normally the l0.0 place pulses are passed through Y signal controlledAND gate 208 to counter 179. However, they now are passed through Zsignal controlled AND gate 215 to counter 178, i.e., one decimal placeto the left. Similarly, 2 signal controlled AND gate 214 passes 10 placepulses to counter 177, 2 signal controlled AND gate 213 passes 0.l placepulses to counter 176, Z signal controlled AND gate 212, passes 0.0lplace pulses to counter 175, Z signal controlled AND gate 211 passes0.001 place pulses to counter 174, and Z signal controlled AND gate 210passes 0.0001 place pulses to counter 179 which spills over through ORgate 202 into counter 174. In our example of l3.35 times 0.333 whichequals 4.44555, counter 178 is empty because the computed value has notens place, counter 177 contains four counts, i.e., the units place,counter 176 contains four counts. i.e., the tenths place, etc. That is,in Y signal operation counters 174-179 accumulate the 0.000l, 0.0(ll,().()l, ().l, l.() and I00 decimal places in the computed value.respectively, but in 2 signal operation counters 174- 179 accumulate the0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, 10.0 and 0.0001 decimal places in the computedvalue, respectively. Accordingly, in our example of 3/089 times 15, 0.89first is multiplied by which equals 13.35 which in turn is multiplied by0.333 which equals 34.44555 ($4.45 when counter preset to 5). $4.45 thenis stored in the mechanical readout 39 as the computed value for printout. The programmer AND gate 227 (FIG. 6) then is enabled for the secondtime and applies an input signal to the print solenoid and to theflip-flop 231. This second print signal does not change the state of theflip-flop 231 but does cause the print solenoid to make a print. Theprint complete signal (contacts 230 closed) then sets the flip-flop 231ready for the next cycle.

One feature of this invention resides in entering fractional prices,such as 3 pounds/$1.00, and whole number prices, such as 59 cents apound, through the same price entry apparatus. The 3 pounds/SLOOfractional price is entered by setting the six-deck switch 218 at 3 andthe dollars, dimes and cents contacts 103-101 at 1.00. Setting thesix-deck switch 218 at 3 sets deck 5 of such switch at 3 whichautomatically by removing the DC lock signal from lead 237 (FIG. 6) putsthe computer in fractional price mode. The 59 cents a pound whole numberprice is entered by setting the six-deck switch 218 at 0 or 1 and thecontacts 103-101 at 0.59. Setting the six-deck switch 218 at 0 or 1 putsthe computer in whole number price mode.

Still another feature resides in entering the fractional prices directlywithout need for using conversion tables. The l-9 contacts of deck 1 ofthe six-deck switch 218 are in circuit with the respective ones ofterminals l-9 in the diode matrix 73. The l-9 contacts of deck 1 ofswitch 218 also are in circuit with certain of the contacts indecks 2-4of the switch 218 in the pattern shown in FIG. 2. The pattern is suchthat fractions are changed to decimals.

it is to be understood that the above description is illustrative ofthis invention and that various modifications thereof can be utilizedwithout departing from its spirit and scope.

lclaim:

l. A computing weighing scale comprising, in combination, an electroniccomputer for computing the value of a commodity according to its weightfactor and a selected price per single weight unit factor in a firstmode of operation or according to its weight factor and a selected priceper multiple weight units factor in a second mode of operation, priceentry means scttable to one or the other of said price factors forentering the price factors in the computer and including electricalcontacts for selecting the digits of said prices and for selecting saidsingle weight unit or said multiple weight units, and printing means forprinting the computed values and the price factors.

2. A computing weighing scale system comprising, in combination, anelectronic computer for computing the value of a commodity according toits weight factor and a selected price per single weight unit factor ina first mode of operation or according to its weight factor and aselected price per multiple weight units factor in a second mode ofoperation, price entry means settable to said price factors for enteringthe price factors in the system and including price entry switch meanscommonly used in both modes of operation, the switch means includingbanks of cents, dimes and dollars electrical contacts for selecting thedigits of said prices and electrical switch means for selecting saidsingle weight unit or said multiple weight units, and printing means forprinting the computed values and the price factors.

3. A computing weighing scale comprising, in combination, a computer forcomputing the value of a commodity according to its weight factor and aselected price per single weight unit factor in a first mode ofoperation or according to its weight factor and a selected price permultiple weight units factor in a second mode of operation, price entrymeans settable to said price factors' for entering the price factors inthe computer, and printing means for printing the computer values andthe price factors, wherein the price entry means includes means forautomatically converting price per multiple weight units entry to priceper single weight unit in decimal form.

4. A computing weighing scale comprising, in combination, a computer forcomputing the value of a commodity according to its weight factor and aselected price per single weight unit factor in a first mode ofoperation or according to its weight factor and a selected price permultiple weight units factor in a second mode of operation, price entrymeans settable to said price factors for enteringthe price factors inthe computer, and printing means for printing the computed values andthe price factors, wherein the scale has a cycle of operations andinterlock means for interrupting said cycle whenever the mode ofoperation is changed.

5. A computing weighing scale according to claim 3 wherein the computerincludes means for multiplying said price per multiple weight unitsentry by one, whereby said printing means prints said price entry insaid price per multiple weight units form, and for multiplying saidconverted price entry in decimal form by said weight factor, wherebysaid printing means prints said computed value in the second mode ofoperation.

6. A computing weighing scale system comprising, in combination, acomputer for computing the value of a commodity according to its weightfactor and a selected price per single weight unit factor in a firstmode of operation or according to its weight factor and a selected priceper multiple weight units factor in a second mode of operation, priceentry means settable to said price factors for entering the price perweight unit factors in the system, and printing means for printing thecomputed values and the price per weight unit factors, said price entrymeans entering each of the price factors in a single entry to be usedboth in arriving at the corresponding printed computed value and theprinted price per single weight unit or price per multiple weight unitsfactors, wherein the price entry means includes means for automaticallyconverting price per multiple weight units entry to price per singleweight unit in decimal form.

7. A computing weighing scale system comprising, in combination, acomputer for computing the value of a commodity according to its weightfactor and a selected price per single weight unit factor in a firstmode of operation or according to its weight factor and a selected priceper multiple weight units factor in a second mode of operation, priceentry means settable to said price factors for entering the price perweight unit factors in the system, and printing means for printing thecomputed values and the price per weight unit factors, said price entrymeans entering each of the price factors in a single entry to be usedboth in arriving at the corresponding printed computed value and theprinted price per single weight unit or price per multiple weight unitsfactors, wherein the scale system has a cycle of operations andinterlock means for interrupting said cycle whenever the mode ofoperation is changed.

8. A computing weighing scale system according to claim 6 wherein theprice entry means includes means for storing said price per multipleweight units entry to be multiplied by one and said means for convertingthe price per multiple weight units entry to decimal form stores saiddecimal form entry to be multiplied by the. weight factor.

9. A computing weighing scale comprising, in combination, a computer forcomputing the value of a commodity according to its weight and price perweight unit, and price entering means for entering both decimal priceper weight unit and nondecimal fraction of decimal price per weight unitfactors in the computer, wherein the price entering means includes meansfor converting the nondeclmal fraction to another form.

10. A computing weighing scale comprising, in combination, a computerfor computing the value of a commodity according to its weight and priceper weight unit, and price entors in the computer. wherein the priceentering means includes means for storing the nondecimal fraction to bemultiplied by one and for storing the nondecimal fraction to bemultiplied by the product of weight times the decimal portion of thenondecimal fraction of decimal price per weight unit factor.

H. A computing weighing scale comprising, in combination, a computer forcomputing the value of a commodity according to its weight and price perweight unit. and price entering means for entering both decimal priceper weight unit and nondecimal fraction of decimal price per weight unitfac- (fr/H 7 Chit Ht Hu l .3 in 01* CO5. {iii/l, 10H

Patent No 3, 5 7; 759 David June i Inventor: (s) William C SLlSOI' M iIt is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent andthat said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below;

r Column 1, line 5, before "invention" insert --This--. I

Column 3, line t, "l2a-8" should read --l-2- l-8.

Column 1, lines 13 and 53, "l-2e.'8" should read -l-2- l8--; line Tl,end second occurrence should read -the-.

Column 5, line 12, l-2-eU-8" should read -l-2- +8-; line 33, "AnD"second occurrence should read --AND--.

Column 7, line 38, "l2-a'-8" should read -l2- l8--.

Column 10, line 23, 0.0001 0.001 0.01 1.0 10.0" should read -0.000l0.001 0.01 0.1 1.0 l0.0--. Column 12, line 13, "and" should read --the.

Column 13, line 64, delete "up" Signed and sealed this 28th day ofDecember 1 971 (SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHEH,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer ActingCommissioner of Patents

